Conservation and restoration

Safeguarding the Cathedral is central to the Fabbriceria’s mission. The complexity of its construction makes knowledge of the building an essential part of its care: structures, surfaces and spaces belong to a single history.

Restoration draws on different skills and on collaboration. The Cathedral’s heritage needs to be understood as a whole, maintaining the connection between its architecture and the works it houses.

On 17 March 1989, the collapse of the Civic Tower struck the northern side of the Cathedral. Falling debris damaged vaults and arches, the chapel housing the baptismal font and the external steps.

The restoration that followed brought together the Fabbriceria, the University of Pavia, and national and local public bodies. It is a significant chapter in the monument’s recent history, showing how its conservation is a shared responsibility.